Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, 24, of Jacksonville, IL and formerly of Manteno, IL and Woodland Hills, CA died in the line of duty while serving his country with the US Army on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 in the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

He was born October 26, 1986 in Glendora, CA; the son of Nicholas David Tobin Sr. and Lee Ann Smith. He married Katie Lynn Fearneyhough in 2008 and she survives.

He is also survived by his father of Riverside, CA; his mother, of Encino/Woodland Hills, CA; his paternal grandmother, Christina Tobin of Fontana, CA; his adoptive grandparents, Deonna and David Schreiber of Mount Vernon, IL; a brother, Nicholas D. Tobin Jr. (wife, Panita) of Riverside, CA; a nephew, Liam Tobin of Riverside, CA; and his wife’s parents, Paul D. and Debbie Fearneyhough. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Andrew Tobin, and his maternal grandmother, Lera Smith.

Sgt. Tobin was raised in Woodland Hills, CA and Manteno, IL areas and graduated in 2005 from Manteno High School. He attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL and participated in the school’s wrestling program. He enlisted in the US Army in January of 2008 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division based at Ft. Drum, NY. He was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Andrew was an outgoing and personable young man who was always wearing a smile. He loved to spend time with his friends and family. He enjoyed target shooting and trying to master the “Call Of Duty” video game. His great love was cooking outdoors on the grill and believed that everything tasted better with BBQ sauce.

"Today is a day of remembrance and celebration of a life that made a difference not only to me but to so many. He accomplished and lived so much in his 24 years of life then most in 60. I am so blessed that God gave me the opportunity to carry, give birth to and raise such an extraordinary young man.

"To remember Andrew "Tobin" is not of sorrow but of love, laughter, crazy moments you never thought could happen that bring you smiles and things Andrew would want for all of us.

Sending prayers of comfort to all Andrew's Army brothers who served with him and beside him. 24 August 2011 brings back a difficult time with memories that haunt, especially for those who where with him at the time of his death. Even harder for his men that weren't with him that day. With some of the stories Andrew shared with me I can only imagine what you live with having lost so many of your friends, especially in a war and to PTSD. I lost my son but he left me his brothers in arms, even those he never met. My heart continues to beat because of you. I want to thank those that reached out to me in the last 3 years. With every story, every picture, every act of respect ... you give back to me a piece of my son, thank you just doesn't seem enough when it means more than the world to me.

Thank you for loving my son as your brother. Thank you for never forgetting Andrew "Tobin"

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I have 25 years and 10 months of memories of you. From the time you were conceived to the day you went back to God. I am so blessed that I have a life time of memories to hold on to. And even more blessed with the stories I hear of how you touched the lives of so many!"

"Memories are still being made and honored in your name. I keep you a live and always will. You are my child I can not move on from you or replace you nor would I ever. What little I have of what belong to you I cherish it more than gold. I listen to your last voice message to me often, "love you mom" ... Love you too son!"